The South Carolina Gamecocks hosted the LSU Tigers as part of SEC conference play. The Gamecocks were looking to continue their win streak at home as well as give the Lady Tigers their first loss of the season. Not only was LSU looking to remain undefeated, but to also get their first win over the Gamecocks since 2012.
Both teams started off making their first two shots. LSU got the three point shooting going early, which led to increasing their lead to five. They were also crashing the offensive glass, which has been a huge part of their game throughout the season.
The Tigers defense was suffocating, forcing several consecutive missed shots. It was such a physical game that the first foul for either team was not called until the 1:20 mark in the first quarter. LSU led by as many as seven, but the Gamecocks closed the quarter on a 6-0 run.
It would become an 8-0 run as South Carolina retook the lead. The Tigers retook the lead thanks to a jumper by Flau’Jae Johnson. It was a back and forth game for much of the second quarter, but the momentum was swinging towards the Gamecocks. They finished the second quarter on a 6-2 run to lead by three at the half.
LSU’s offense was out of sorts as they missed fifteen consecutive shots. They also dealt with foul trouble as Aneesah Morrow picked up two fouls in the quarter. Despite the stagnant offense, they were dominating on the glass 28-19. They had 15 offensive rebounds to the Gamecocks’ eight.
South Carolina started to take control of the game in the third quarter. Midway through the quarter, they went on an 8-0 run to increase their lead. It would eventually become a double-digit lead as the defense completely took over. After scoring 22 points in the first quarter, LSU scored 19 points through the second and third quarter.
The Gamecocks were in full control and in position to run away with the win. They led by as 13 in the fourth quarter. The Tigers made some shots and even got it back within single digits. They got it within seven with less than two minutes left. That would be the closest they got as they did not score again.
The Gamecocks won the game 66-56, giving them their 69th consecutive win at home. That ties the longest streak in SEC history. This was also the 17th straight win over the LSU Tigers. They improved to 7-0 in conference play, and 19-1 overall.
Joyce Edwards led the Gamecocks with 14 points. Sania Feagin finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks. It was a block party in South Carolina as the team had 11 total blocks. Raven Johnson led the team with five steals, and the team had 13 total steals.
Not only does LSU get their first loss of the season, but it is their first loss in the conference. Aneesah Morrow led the Tigers with 15 points and 16 rebounds. That marked her 93rd career double-double, which is the second-most in D-1 women’s basketball. Flau’Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams each finished with 13 points.
Anytime the Gamecocks and Tigers go head to head, it is always a good time. Even though the Gamecocks took control in the second half, it was still a classic game. It would not be a surprise if these two teams see each other again in the NCAA tournament, or even the SEC tournament.
Photo Courtesy: @GamecockWBB
